Store, library, office, or warehouse apparatus.



No. 718,543. PATENTED JAN. 13, 1903. N. 0. STARKS.-

STORE, LIBRARY, OFFICE, 0R .WAREHOUSEYA PPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 4, 1902, HOMODEL.

1O SHEETS-SHEET 1.

No. 718,543. 5 PATENTED JA1L13, 1903- N. O. STARKS.

STORE, LIBRARY, OFFICE, OR WAREHOUSE APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 4, 1902.

N0 MODEL 1O SHEETS-SHEET 3.

m: "can" men: 0a.. worn-mun, wmma'mu. D. c.

No. 718,543. I PATENTED JAN. 13, 1903 N. O. STARKS. STORE, LIBRARY,OFFICE, 0R WAREHOUSE APPARATUS.

APPLIOATION FI'LED SEPT. 4, 1902. no MODEL. v 10 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

' q/vilmeowa 4 36? No. 718,543. PATENTED JAN- 13, 1903.

N. 0. STARKS. I

A STORE, LIBRARY, OFFICE, OR WAREHOUSE APPARATUS.

Arrucuion FILED SEPT. 4. 1902.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

I0 IODEL.

q/vHMe/aoea b.

TNE Noizm: wmns wcmmu'mu, WASHINGTON, n. c.

No. 718,543. ,PATENTED JAN. 13, 190-3.

. N. 0. STARKS.

STORE, LIBRARY, OFFICE, 0R WAREHOUSE APPARATUS.

- APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 4, 1902.

H0 MODEL. 10 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

I z o l f y m V J 0 A G3 Y I 7 Jf y d, 04 W '3 L 6. I I

. Ad/MJ.

.PATRNTED JAN. 13,1903. N. 0. STARS.

, STORE, LIBRARY, OFFICE, 0R WAREHOUSE APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 4, 1902. N0 MODEL.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

q/qhimaoooa B @QAM m RAM 0.. wrsum N .718 543. T NTED JAN. 13 1903.

I N. 0. STARKS. M E

STORE, LIBRARY, OFFICE, OR. WAREHOUSE APPARATUS. APPLIGATION FILED 92M.4, 1902.

7M hue/ow:

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 4, 1902. no MODEL. v v

N. 0. sTARKs. STORE, LIBRARY, OFFICE, 0R WAREHOUSE APPARATUS.

10 SHEETSSHEET 9.

urlummng A IIIIHIIHI W mi l f lllllWHnMIIW AA HiiiiiiiiiiiiizEi PATENTEDJAN. 13, 1903.

No. 718,543. A PATENTED JAN.'13, 1903.

. N. O. STARKS. STORE, LIBRARY, OFFICE, 0R WAREHOUSE APPARATUS.

APPLICATION TILED SEPT. 4-, 1902.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 10.

N0 MODEL.

8mmm= MQ3KW M MM; kg

lvbiww/awa UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

NILS O. STARKS, OF MADISON, WISCONSIN.

STORE, LIBRARY, OFFICE, OR WAREHOUSE APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming partof Letters Patent No. 718,543, dated January13, 1903.

Application filed September aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, NILS O. STARKS, a citizen of the United States,residing at Madison, in the county of Dane and State of Wisconsin, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in 7 Store, Library,Office, or Warehouse Apparatus, of which the following is aspecification.

My present invention relates to store, library, office, and warehouseapparatus, the

- construction and advantages of which will be hereinafter set forth,reference being had'to the annexed drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a sideelevation of the apparatus, showing the same in position with relationto a series of shelves for supporting boxes or the like; Fig. 2, a frontelevation; Fig. 3, a vertical sectional View, on an enlarged scale, ofthe carrier or elevator, taken on the line A A of Fig. 4; Fig. 4:, a topplan view of the carrier or elevator, the guiding-rolls andsupporting-columns being shown in section and the parts illustrated inposition for withdrawing a box from the shelf; Fig. 5, a similar view,the box resting upon the carrier and being moved inwardly onto a shelf;Fig. 6, a top plan view, partlyin section, of the operating andcontrolling mechanism; Fig. 7, a detail View of the clutch and lockingmechanism employed in connection with the operating crank, the sectionbeing taken on the line B B of Fig. 6; Fig. 8, a perspective view of themechanism employed to lock the apparatus against movement on thesupporting-rails and also to free the look from engagement with therails and permit further traverse of the apparatus to any desiredposition; Fig. 9, an

elevation of said parts; Fig. 10, a perspective view of certain portionsof the apparatus for properly positioning the elevator or carrier withreference to a shelf; Fig. 11, a similar view of the movable framecarrying one pair of the guide or positioning rollers; Fig. 12, aperspective view of a modified form of carrier-hook; Fig. 13, a viewshowing certain other modifications; Fig. 14, a detail view illustrativeof a modified form of track or guide for the carrier; Fig. 15, a similarview showing a visual indicator for showing the position of the elevatorin relation to any particular shelf; Fig. 16, a perspective view of thecomplete apparatus, showing a slightly- 4,1902. Serial No. 122,099. (Nomodel.)

modified form of track and locking device; and Fig. 17, a perspectiveview of the modified locking device and a portion of the lower track.

The main object of my invention is to provide a simple and efficientapparatus for removing merchandise, books, boxes, files,racks, and casesfrom their supports and replacing them thereon at will, the apparatusbeing especially efficicnt in the handling of boxed merchandise, bottleand book racks, filingcases, drawers, 850. By the use of this apparatusboxes. or the like may be removed from any shelf or support and, if sodesired, as readily replaced or restored to their former positions. Thestructure is so arranged that it may be traversed the entire length ofthe shelving or the like and the elevator, with its engaging andreplacing member, brought into direct alinement with the particular boxor the like desired.

The apparatus about to be described has in practice givenhighly-satisfactory service, and its many advantages will hereinafterspecifically appear.

Referring first to the construction illustrated in Figs. 1 to 11,inclusive, A denotesa series of shelves, upon which rest a series ofboxes B, each box being provided at its outer lower edge with aprojecting bail or loop Cor similar device.

Upon reference to Figs. 1 and 2 it will be noted that the apparatus issupported by two tracks or rails D and E, the upper track D beingsustained by suitable brackets or arms F, extending outwardly from theshelving. The lower track E is secured to a rail or bead G, whichextends outwardly from the face of the shelf structure at a point abovethe counter H thereof. As will be seen upon reference to Fig. 1, theapparatus stands entirely within the edge limits of the counter, and asa consequence the floor-space is left entirely clear and unobstructed.

. I denotes a cross-head, having at its outer ends grooved rolls J,which bear upon the upper face or edge of track D, While arms K extenddownwardly from the cross-head beneath the track and prevent thecross-head from rising and the rolls from jumping from the track.Extending from the cross-head are two vertically-disposed columns L andICO M, the columns by preference being hollow. A second cross-head N isconnected to the lower ends thereof, and extending out therefrom arearms 0 and P. Arm 0 carries two vertically-disposed rolls Q and R, whichembrace rail E upon its opposite faces and pre-Venttheframefromswingingoutwardly. The inner end of the arm P is cutaway or given a hooked form, and the lower rail E passes therethrough,as best indicated in Fig. 6.

The upper and lower cross-heads and the vertical columns, which arearranged between them, form, in effect, a frame, which may be traversedback and forth throughout the length of the rails and be broughtin linewith any particular box or series of boxes carried or supported by theshelving. In order that the frame thus constructed may be properly heldin position as the elevator is moved up and down thereon, Iemploylatches or bolts,which work in conjunction with openings or slotsS, formed in the upper and lower rails. T denotes the bolt or latch forthe lower rail. It is mounted to slide in a box U, formed as a part ofthe member or arm 0. The forward end of the latch or bolt T ispreferably beveled, so that it will readily enter the opening in therail. Pivotally connected to the rear end of the boltis an arm V,whichin turn passes through a stud W, which is pivotally connected to an armX, forming part of a lever or handle Y, said arm being fulcrumed upon apin or post Z. A coiled spring a encircles the arm V and is held upagainst the face of the stud V bya cross-pin b, which extends throughsaid arm V. The parts are so proportioned that the arm V and lever Yform, in effect, a toggle-joint, so that if the parts are brought to oneor the other side of the center line they will be locked in thatposition against any ordinary movement. Spring a is put under slightcompression as the centers are brought into line, and as a consequenceas the parts pass the line of centers the spring expands and tends tonormally hold them in one or the other position, as the case may be. Asecond sliding bolt or latch o is carried by the upper cross-head I inline with the opening formed in the upper track D. This bolt is operatedin unison with the lower latch by a bell-crank leverd and a wire 6,which connects said lever with the handle Y. By operating the handle orlever Y it will be seen that both the upper and lower bolts arewithdrawn from engagement with the tracks or permitted to enter theopenings S when the frame comes into proper position to allow suchentrance. The upper bolt may, if desired, be omitted or a constructionhereinafter described be employed in lieu of that just set forth.

In order that the frame, with its attached parts, may be traversed backand forth on the tracks without the necessity of the attendant going tothe apparatus, I provide means whereby the structure as a whole may bemoved to any desired point upon the rails from anyposition along thelength of the track. This is accomplished by the employment of anendless rope, cable, or the like, (designated by the letterf,) which, asbest shown in Figs. 2, 6, and 8, passes about pulleys g g, one of which,Fig. 2, is carried at one end of a pivoted arm or lever h, the oppositeend of said arm or lever being connected to a spring which tends to drawthe lower end of the arm inwardly, and consequently to place the endlesscable f under tension. As will be understood upon reference to Fig. 1,the upper stretch of this band or cable lies just above the bead G, butbelow the upper face of the lowermost shelf or support, so that whilethe cable or band may be readily grasped at any point throughout itslength and drawn outwardly to cause a traverse of the frame or carriagein one or the other direction it is nevertheless normally out of theway.

Pivoted to the outer end of the arm 0 is a block 2', to which the bandor cable f is secured. A ready means of attachment is provided byforming two openings j, Fig. 9, in the forward rounded face of saidblock t', through which the band or cablef is passed, the edges of thewalls forming the openings biting upon the band or cable and preventingit from being drawn therethrough. The block 1' is provided withshoulders or abntments 70, which work in conjunction with the forkedends I of a sliding bolt or plunger m, which is normally pressed towardthe block byaspring which encircles the bolt or plunger, as bestindicated in Fig. 8. The rear end of said bolt or plunger m comes intodirect alinement with a bearing plate or member n, formed as a part ofthe lever or handle Y. When the sliding bolt or latch T is in engagementwith the rail, the member it rests directly against the rear end of thebolt m, and the block 11 is drawn around to the position indicated inFig. 6, where it will be seen that the forked members I bear directlyagainst the shoulders or abutments 7; of the block 1'.

So long as the parts are in the positions indicated in Fig. 6 the frameor carriage cannot be traversed along the track; but should it bedesired by the attendant to cause the frame to be moved along all thatit is necessary to do is to either operate the handle Y directly, whichwill of course withdraw both the upper and lower sliding bolts fromengagement with the track, or take hold of the band or cablef, pullingit in the desired direction, which will cause the parts to assume thepositions shown in Fig. 8.

The operation of the parts will be readily understood. The block i,swinging about its pivot, forces the bolt or plunger 071 backwardly, andthe rearwardly-projecting end of said bolt bears against the face of themember 12,, causing the lever or handle Y to rock about its pivot andwithdraw the latch or bolt T through the agency of the arm V and thepivoted stud \V, to which it is attached. As soon as the parts pass thecenter the spring d causes the members to quickly assume the positionsshown in Fig. 8 and to maintain such positions until the latches areagain manually operated to bring them into engagement with the openingsS, formed in the rails.

Extending out from the lower frame or.

shaft is supported at its lower end in a bracket or arm G and at itsupper end in a similar bracket or arm H on the cross-head I. Arm G isprovided with a stop or lug I, which serves to limit the movement of thecrank or handle 0. Sockets or depressions J are formed in the face ofthe bracket or arm G, as shown in Fig. 1, and a spring pressed pin K,carried by the crank, works in conjunction with said sockets ordepressions. These sockets are so arrranged with relation to the stopthat when the crank is drawn around so that it comes in contact with thestop and pressure is withdrawn from the handle of the crank the springlatch or bolt will by reason of its rounded face have a tendency to drawthe crank backward to a slight extent, thereby rotating the squaredshaft slightly in a direction reverse to that in which it was moved bythe crank, and consequently relieving the wheel L, which is slidinglymounted upon the shaft, from any binding or cramping action that mightotherwise take place between the shaft and the wheel. The pin also tendsto hold the crank in the position in which it is left by the operator.The wheel L is provided with an elongated hub M, which works in a box orjournal-bearing N, formed in or carried by the outer end of a bracket 0,which in turn is secured to the elevator-frame. This frame comprises anupright rectangular section or member P and an elongated frame composedof the members Q R S, which is secured to the lower cross-bar or memberof the vertical frame P. Secured to each of the upper and lower ends ofthe vertical or upright member P is a frame T, in which are journaledfour rollers or wheels U, which bear against the face of the verticalcolumn or upright member L. Upon the opposite side of the frame P aresecured frames or brackets V, in which are journaled rollers WV, onlytwo rollers being used in these frames, which rollers bear against theforward and rear face of the vertical column M. It will thus be seenthat the upright frame P and the lower horizontal frame which is securedthereto are properly held in position in front of the vertical standardsor columns L and M. The strap which comprises the bracket or frame V isso formed that it stands at a distance from the vertical column M inorder laterally with relation to the vertical axis of the column M, soas to accommodate themselves to the column in case there should be anydeflection between the columns L and M. The rollers U, bearing upon thefour faces of the upright column L, will of course cause theelevator-frame to follow that column throughout its length, the rollersW accommodating themselves to any deflection there may be between theparallelism of the columns L and M.

Secured to the horizontal member of the elevator-frame is a track or waya, which in the preferred construction takes the form of a channeled barhaving laterally-extending wings or flanges b. This track or way extendsfrom the outermost member R of the horizontal frame to a point in closeproximity to the edge of the shelving and at its innermost end isprovided with a pulley or sheave wheel 0. A similar wheel 01 is mountedin the track or way at a point near the outer end thereof, the upperedges of both wheels lying in a plane slightly above the face of thechannel or groove of the track. Mounted upon said track or way andarranged to be moved back and forth thereon in the manner hereinafterset forth is a block or casting e, the

main body of which bears directly upon the flanges b of the track orway, while fingers or lugs f, formed integral with the body portion,extend in'beneath the flanges b and hold the block or casting down uponthe track or way. Pivoted to the lugs g, extending upwardly from themain body of the block or casting, is a push-frame comprising twomembers 71., connected bya curved member t", the frame as a whole havingat its forward end two vertically-disposed members or arms j, which whenthe device is in operation and a box is being shoved into place beardirectly against the face of the box, as best shown in Fig. 3. A hook isis carried at the outer end of a pairof arms Z, pivotallyattached attheir inner ends to the lower portion of the block or casting e, thearms being curved, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, so that while the main portion thereof occupies a position below the block or casting e theforward portion extends upwardly and brings the hook into approximatealinement with. the side bars or members h, which carry the meinbersj.This is best shown in Fig. l, in which the hookis in its elevated ornormal position.

Formed integral with the members Z and in rear of the hook It is a lugm, which has an opening formed therein for the reception of a bolt orpin which passes through ears n of a link or connecting member 0. To theouter ends of this link are pivotally connected blocks 19, to which inturn are secured the ends of a band or cable g. This band or cable, aswill be seen upon reference to Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 5, passes about thesheaves c and d and about idlers r and 3', carried by brackets securedto the track or way and the lower member of the upright frame,respectively, and likewise about the sheave wheel L.

The band is passed several times about said wheel L, being at one pointpermanently secured thereto.

As will be readily understood from the foregoing description, amovement; of the crank or handle 0 will cause the squared shaft F torotate, thereby rotating the wheel L, and consequently impartingmovement to the band or cable g. This in turn through its connectionwith the hook member will cause the frame, with the hook and the pushmemher, to be moved back and forth upon the guide or way.

The parts are so proportioned that when the elevator is brought intoproper alinement with a particular shelf, or approximately so, in amanner to be hereinafter fully set forth the hook will when movedinwardly into the position shown in Fig. 3 be in position to engage oneof the fastenings or clips secured to the lowermost box upon the shelf.A movement of the lever or handle C in the proper direction will thuscause the hook to move upwardly through the bail or clip on the box andwithdraw the box and those superimposed upon it outward upon theelevator to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3. The elevatoris then lowered and the box is withdrawn, ifdesired. A reverse movementof the handle when the elevator is properlypositioned with reference toa shelf will cause the boxes to move inwardly, the push member hearingat all times against the forward face of the lower box and pushing itsquarely hack toplace, after which the hook drops down into the positionshown in Fig. 3, thereby disengaging itself from the bail upon the box.As will be noted, the hook has a substantially vertical movementadjacent to the box end, so that should the parts he not quiteaccurately adjusted the hook will nevertheless engage the box andwithdraw the same, lifting it slightly, if necessary, to draw it ontothe elevator.

In order to properly position the boxes as they are being moved in uponthe elevator or carrier, I employ guide-rollers, which when the boxesare being drawn out on the elevator are normally out of action, butwhich when the boxes are being pushed to position are automaticallybrought into action and properly position and direct the movements ofthe boxes.

The left-hand member Q of the horizontal section of the elevator isextended inwardly beyond the vertical column L, as shown in Fig. 4.

A second horizontal frame 75 is secured to the upper member of thevertical frame P, said frame or member 15 forming the support for theupper ends of the three vertically-disposed guide-rolls u, 'v, and w,the lower ends of which find their support in the member Q of the lowerhorizontal frame. A brace or support 00 extends from the upper frame 15to the member Q of the lower frame.

'As will be seen upon reference to Fig. 3, the

ber of the vertical frame P is an arm or bracket A while extendingupwardly from the member S is a post or column B A frame 0 is mountedupon the post B while a second frame D is mounted between the post 13and the bracket or arm A The frame C has a roller E mounted in its outerend. The frame D likewise has a roller F pivoted in its outer end, saidroller having a reduced portion G at its lower end, which is in linewith the reduced portion of the rollers upon the opposite side of theelevator-frame. This reduced portion comes in line with the lid of thelowermost box, as is best illustrated in Fig. 2. The frames 0 and D maymove to a slightextent independently of each other. The lowermost memberof the upper frame D carries a pin H which extends downwardly into aslot I formed in the upper member of the lower frame C A spring J isconnected at one end to the upper member of the frame D and at itsopposite end to the horizontal member 6 or other fixed portion of theframe. A second spring K is connected at one end to the outer end of anarm L, extending outwardly from the frame 0 while its opposite end isconnected to the member S of the elevator-frame. These springs normallytend to throw the frames and the rollers carried thereby around towardthe track or way and toward the opposite series of rolls.

Pivoted to the under face or side of the track is a bar or lever M theright-hand end of which is connected by a link N with the lowermostmember of the frame C the lever or bar M being provided with an uprightlug or finger 0 which when the parts are in working position forms astop for the link N The opposite end of the bar or lever M extends outover the sheave-wheel L and under certain circumstances comes intocontact with a pin P, carried by said sheave or pulley L. Pivotallyconnected to the bar or lever M is a rod or bar Q which extendsrearwardly therefrom and passes through a lever R fulcrumed to the sidebar or member Q at a point 8*. A spring T encircles the rear end of thisbar Q and bears against the face of the lever R The lever R is limitedin its forward movement by a pin or similar device U which extendsthrough the rod or bar Q Thus while the lever B. may have a rearwardmovement independently of the rod or bar Q any forward movement of thelever from the position shown in Fig. 4 will cause the rod or bar tomove with it. The pivotal points of the lever M and the link N are suchthat when the parts are in the positions IOC IIO

shown in Fig. 4 the lever M and link N form, in effect, a toggle-jointwhich will hold the frames C and D in the positions shown in said figureagainst the stress of the springs J and K The block or casting e isprovided with a laterally-projecting finger V which extends out into thepath of the lever R and when said casting e is moved back to itsoutermost position upon the track or way said finger will engage thelever B and swing the same about its pivot or fulcrum, compressing thespring T and finally passing the same and permitting the lever to assumethe position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 5. When, however, the hookand push member, which are carried by the casting or frame 6, are movedforward, the finger V comes into contact with the lever R and swings thesame forward, the lever coming into contact with the pin U causing thebar or rod Q to be moved forward, and as a consequence swinging thelever M about its pivot, thereby breaking the toggle formed by the leverM and link N and permitting the springs J and K to swing the frames Gand D in against the side faces of the box or boxes which are beingpushed into place upon the shelf. As the casting e is moved inwardly andnearly reaches its limit of inward movement the pin P will come intocontact with the end of the lever M and swing the same, so as to causethe frames 0 and D wit-h their rollers, to be moved back out of contactwith the boxes, in which position they will remain until another box isto be replaced upon a shelf.

Inasmuch as the member which forces the boxes back into position bearsagainst the body of the lowermost box it is necessary to the properaction of the device that the lower box receive its guiding pressureupon the bottom of the same rather than on the lid, and it is for thisreason that the rolls are reduced at a point where they would come intocontact with the lid of the box, the lid of course being wider than thebody of the box. The upper boxes receive their guiding pressure at thetop. The rolls prevent any binding of the boxes as they are movedinward. The series of rolls upon one side always guide at that side,allowing the opposite guide-roll to move slightly to accommodate itselfto any irregularity in the box. Having the movable guide-roll made intwo sections insures uniform friction on boxes of different widths,thereby permitting two or more boxes not of uniform width to be pushedinto position upon a shelf without any difliculty whatsoever. If boxesof uniform and fixed width could be obtained in all cases, then fixedguides might be employed. This cannot in practice, however, be dependedupon, as it is almost impossible to secure a series of boxes of uniformwidth and dimensions.

Journaled in the lower cross-head or casting N is a shaft A This shafthas splined upon it a pinion B and a bevel-gear C the pinion and gearbeing preferably formed as one. The gear (3 in turn meshes with asimilar bevel-gear D formed upon the sleeve of a drum E, which ismounted upon a shaft or axle F extending out from the casting or frameN.

A band or cable G is secured to the upper member of the elevator-frameor any fixed portion thereof, said band or cable passing over sheaves orpulleys H I and thence down to and around the drum E about which itpasses several times, its end being secured thereto. A second band orcable J extends from the drum E up over idlers K and L which lattercarries the band or cable in line with the upper end of the uprightcolumn M, in which is mounted a counterweight M the counterweight beingattached to the end of the band or cable J Instead of forming the cablesG and J as separate bands it will readily be understood that one stretchmay be employed, it being passed about the drum E several turns in orderto secure the necessary bite or hold thereon. The drum E is providedwith a suitable cover or casing E secured to the outer end of the shaftupon which the drum rotates. Suitable openings are provided in the coverorcasing to permit the bands or cables to pass onto the drum, as isclearly indicated in the drawings.

To impart motion to the shaft A and as a consequence to the bevel-gear Cand the drum E I secure to the outer end of the shaft an arm or bracketN to the end of which is fulcrumed a crank 0 the inner end of which ispivotally connected to a split collar or sleeve P which in turn works ina groove or channel formed in the outer end of a sleeve Q Saidsleeve isslidably mounted upon the shaft A and to the inner end of said sleeve ispivotally connected one end of an elbow-lever R said lever beingfulcrumed at S in a bracket or arm T which extends down from the castingN. The inner end U of said elbow-lever extends inwardly in line with theinner face of the rim of the drum E which is provided with a series ofratchetteeth V A spring W is interposed between the inner end of theelbow-lever and a lug or projection on the main frame or casting N andserves normally to depress the inner end of the lever and throw the saidend U into engagement with the ratchet-teeth. This movement will causethe sleeve Q to move inwardly upon the shaft A into the position shownin Fig. 6. So long as the elbow-lever or its arm U is in engagement withthe ratchetteeth V there can be no rotation of the frame, andconsequently no raising or lowering of the elevator, through theconnections above described. In order to withdraw the member U fromengagement with the ratchetteeth on the drum, it is necessary for theoperator to press the handle X carried by the crank 0 inwardly, therebymoving the sleeve Q outwardly, the parts assuming the positions shown inFig. 7, when the drum is free to be rotated by the rotation of the crank0 The rotation of the crank in one or the other direction will serve toraise or lower the elevator, the counterweight M being of such weight asto practically counterbalance the weight of the elevator, and as aconsequence the movement is readily and easily accomplished.

Should the operator release his hold upon the crank O for any reason,the spring W will immediately draw the member U into engagement with theratchet-teeth, thereby preventing any further movement of the drum, andconsequently arresting any movement of the elevator. This prevents theelevator from descending when it is loaded with boxes, unless theattendant maintains his hold at all times upon the crank or handle,withholding the elbow lever or member U thereof from engagement with theratchet-teeth of the drum. As a consequence it is next to impossible forthe elevator to descend too rapidly.

A buffer Y which in the present instance takes the form of a spring, ismounted upon the casting N, in line with the main frame of the elevator.

An index-wheel A works in conjunction with the pinion E the marks on theface of the index-wheel, as shown in Fig. 2, being so arranged that whenthe pointer B is moved to a particular mark or notation on theindexwheel the elevator will be at its proper position with relation tothe shelf noted. These marks can of course be placed upon theindex-wheel to suit the spacing of the various shelves.

When shelving of uneven spacing is employed, I may use an arm which willautomatically determine the position of the elevator with reference toany particular shelf. This construction will now be described.

Pivoted to an upright bar or member C", which extends from the upper tothe lower end of the elevator-frame, is an arm or lever D, which at itslower end is provided with a pivoted foot-piece E said foot-piece beingfree to swing inwardly away from the member 0 but held against movementin the opposite direction. The upper end of the member D is pivotallyconnected to a link F which in turn is likewise connected to a crank orarm G The elongated hub 11 of the crank comprises a squared shaft Iwhich is supported at its upper and lower ends in brackets or bearingssecured, respectively, to the upper and lower cross-heads or castings Iand N. The elongated hub H of the crank G is supported in a bracket Jwhich is secured to the elevator-frame. The crank G is formed with twostuds or fingers K and L, the stud K when the arm D is withdrawn fromthe shelf coming into contact with the link Fandnormallylimiting theparts against further movement in that direction. The other stud L comesinto contact with the elevator-frame and prevents the lower end of thearm D from being thrown too far inwardly. The crank G and itsconnecting-link F form, in effect, a toggle-joint, and when the arm ormember D is withdrawn from engagement with the shelf it locks andnormally holds the toggle in its extended position. A spring M isconnected to the upper end of the arm D and normally tends to throw saidarm inwardly toward the shelf when the toggle is broken. Secured to thelower end of the shaft 1 is a crank N, which in turn has pivotallyconnected to it a link or bar 0 The outer end of said bar works in aslot or groove P, formed in an arm or plate Qflwhich arm is secured to ashaft R Said shaft has its bearing in the casting N and extendsoutwardly to the forward side thereof. A second arm or plate S issecured to the shaft R said plate being likewise provided with a slot Tin which works one end of an arm U", the opposite end of said arm beingpivotally connected to a dog or detent V, likewise mounted upon theframe N. Said dog or detent works in conjunction with a series ofstop-pins W and a cam X formed upon or carried by the rear. face of theindex-wheel A The shaft R has also secured upon it a cam or wing Y,which works in conjunction with a finger Z secured upon the inner end ofthe shaft B. A crank or handle A is socured to the outer end of theshaft R Assuming now that it is desired to use the elevator inconnection with a series of shelves irregularly spaced and for whichtheindexwheel is not graduated, the attendant moves the handle A which,through the connection of plate Q link 0, crank N, and squared shaft 1',will cause the toggle formed between the crank G and link F to bebroken, thereby permitting the spring M to throw the lower end of thelever D inwardly. Up0n moving the elevator up the arm or lever will bearagainst the shelf as it passes the same, and as soon as the pivoted endof the arm comes in line with the upper face of the shelf the arm willmove inwardly. A retrograde movement of the elevating-crank will thencause the foot-piece of arm D to engage the shelf, which will bring theelevator into its properposition with reference to the particular shelfin question. The carrier is then moved inwardly to engage the box andafter this engagement is drawn outwardly, bring-' ing a box with it. Asthis is done the finger Z comes into contact with the cam or wing Ythereby rotating the shaft R and causing a rotation of the squared shaft1 which in turn will straighten the toggle at the upper end, formed bythe crank G4 and link F withdrawing the arm D from engagement with theshelf just as the box nears its limit of outward movement onto theelevator. The parts are then in the positions shown in full lines inFig. 10, and it will be seen that the elevator, with the boxes thereon,is free to be moved downward. If the attendant should have made amistake as to the particular shelf and desires to bring the elevator toa point below without removing the box from the upper shelf, it ofcourse is necessary to withdraw the arm D from engagement with theshelf. This can be done by simply manipulating the handle A rotating theshaft R in the same manner as it is rotated by the action of the fingerZ and the wing Y The dog or detent V ,when the arm D passes intoengagement with one of the shelves, extends over one of the stop-pins Won the inner face of the index-wheel A thereby locking the parts of theapparatus and preventing any downward movement of the elevator untilsuch time as the dog or detent is withdrawn from engagement with thepin. This is automatically accomplished by the movement of the carrieror casting e in the act of withdrawing a box, or, as just stated, by amanual operation of the handle A and the consequent rotation of theshaft It.

Should the arm or lever D for any reason he left out as the elevatorapproaches its lowermost position, the cam X will act upon the detent Vrocking the shaft R, and consequently drawing the arm D back to itsnormal or vertical position.

A cam face or finger B may be secured to the under face of theelevator-frame in line with the crank N so that when the elevatordescends to its lowest position said cam or finger will come intocontact with a beveled face on the crank N and cause the rotation of theshaft I so as to positively withdraw the arm D to its vertical position.

It is manifest that the index-wheel will, as above stated, be allsufficient when the apparatus is used in connection with shelves whichare evenly or regularly spaced. If, however, the apparatus is to be usedin conjunction with evenly and unevenly spaced shelving, the two devicesshould be embodied in the same machine.

The invention is susceptible of various modifications. For instance, inFig. 14 a modified form of track for the device for removing andreplacing the boxes is shown. This consists simply of two bars A Ahaving grooves or channels formed in their adjacent faces. Between thebars thus formed there is placed a hook B having wings which project outinto the groove or channel to properly hold and guide the book. Withthis construction, as with the form of track previously described, it isto be noted that the upper face is perfectly smooth and unobstructed andthat the cable or band used for operating the hook lies in a plane belowthe upper surface of the bars. It is essential, of course, that thecarrier present a smooth face or surface upon which the boxes may bedrawn out.

In Fig. 12 a modified form of hook is shown, where instead of employinga separate member for pushing the boxes back into position the hook alsoperforms this function. In this form the hook comprises two side bars01' members 0 which lie in a plane below the laterally-extending wingsof the track. Inwardly-projecting lugs D extending from the side membersC engage the under faces of the wings of the track, properly holding thehook in position on the track. The forward ends of the members C areconnected by a cross-bar E, from which extends a hook having a fiatforward face F and a rear-- wardly-inclined finger or end G. Thisconstruction serves, as above stated, to withdraw the boxes and also toreplace them, though the construction first described is preferred,inasmuch as the hook must of necessity when the boxes are being replaceddrop downward to a certain extent at the final movement thereof as thebox about reaches its position upon the shelf. With both forms, however,the book after being disengaged from the bail on the box moves backwardunder the sheave at the end of the track, which of course withdraws thehook from the box and the edge of the shelving and in the form firstdescribed likewise moves the pressure arms or fingers in a rearwarddirection to a slight extent. This is best shown in the dotted-lineposition in Fig. 3.

In Fig. 13 a further modification of the apparatus is shown, whereininstead of replacing boxes and the like upon shelving the reciprocatingmember mounted upon the elevator is shown as provided with a long hookor bar H", which, as indicated in said figure, may be used for placingsatchels or the like upon shelves or may be employed for hanging upvarious articles upon hooks.

In Fig. 15 a device is shown for indicating the position of the elevatorwith reference to any particular shelf. This is designed to be used inplace of the index-wheel and the arm or lever D or to work inconjunction with the latter. It consists simply of an arm I pivoted atthe inner end of the carrier and adapted to come into contact with theshelf as the carrier or elevator moves past the same, so that the armwill be tipped about its pivot, throwing the under member thereof out ina ,horizontal position, so that it may be clearly seen from below.

The apparatus as a whole is shown in perspective in Fig. 16, aslightly-modified construction of the locking device and rail beingillustrated therein, and also in detail in Fig. 17. The lower rail E inthis instance is secured directly to the shelving or the like by aseries of round-headed screws E the screws being placed at determinateor fixed points in order that theheads thereof may also act as stops toarrest the travel of the apparatus and lock it in its adjusted positionat any desired point along the length of the rail.

Instead of employing a bolt, as T, which is projected into the openingsin the rail, as above described, there is attached to the arm V a boltE, which is provided at its outer end with a shoe or head E", the outerface of which is rounded or beveled to each side of a central seat ordepression E formed therein. The bolt and its head or shoe are operatedin the same manner as the sliding bolt T, the remaining portions of themechanism being the same throughout, except for a slight difference inproportions.

As will be readily understood, the main frame is moved along by hand orthrough the agency of the rope or cable f to the desired point, and thenthe handle Y is actuated, which causes the bolt to move forward and theshoe or head to engage the head of the screw immediately in front of thesame. By beveling the forward face of the shoe it may be readily causedto pass onto and in engagement with the screw-heads if for any reasonthe bolt and head should not be in their retracted position as the frameis moved along the tracks,

The invention is also susceptible of modification in various of itsdetails, and I do not desire to be understood as limiting myself to theprecise arrangement and construction of the parts as herein shown anddescribed.

It is of course evident that the precise arrangement of drivingmechanisms is not essential to the generic invention, and the claimsshould be read with this understanding. It is likewise evident thatfriction devices may be employed instead of the positive lockingmechanism above set forth for looking the elevator. So, too, certainportions of the mechanism, especially the means for raising and loweringthe elevator and the hookactuating means, may be driven or controlled bypower-as, for instance, by electric motors or the like.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is 1. In an apparatusof the character described, the combination of a frame; means forsupporting the same in front of a series of shelves or the like; anelevator movable up and down upon said frame; and means carried by theelevator for engaging merchandise on the shelves, withdrawing it ontothe elevator, and replacing the same at will, said means automaticallydisengaging itself when the merchandise is properly stored, substantially as described.

2. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference to theframe; and means movable back and forth on the elevator for removingmerchandise from and replacing the same upon its support, said meanspassing toa plane below its normal line of travel as it reaches itslimit of inward movement and passes out of contact with the merchandise,whereby said means is withdrawn from contact with and out of line of themerchandise and its support.

3. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;and means movable back and forth on said elevator for removingmerchandise from and replacing the same upon its support, said means asit reaches its limit of inward movementbeing automatically withdrawnfrom contact with and out of line of the merchandise and its support.

4. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;means movable back and forth on said elevator for removing merchandisefrom and replacing the same upon its support, said means passing to aplane below, and back beneath, its normal line of travel as it reachesits limit of inward movement, whereby it is withdrawn from contact wigand out of line of the merchandise and its support; and devices foroperating said means.

5. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;means movable back and forth on said elevator for removing merchandisefrom and replacing the same upon its support, said means as it reachesits limit of inward movement being by a continuous movementautomatically withdrawn from contact with and out of line of themerchandise and its support-;'and mechanism for operating said means.

6. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;means movable back and forth on said elevator for removing merchandisefrom and replacing the same upon its support; an operating-shaft carriedby the frame; a wheel slidably mounted upon said shaft; and connectionsintermediate said wheel and the means for handling the merchandise.

7. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;means movable back and forth on said elevator for removing merchandisefrom and replacing the same upon its support; an operating-shaft carriedby the frame; a sheave-wheel slidably mounted on the shaft and carriedby the elevator; and a belt for transmitting motion from the sheave tothe means carried by the elevator.

8. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;means movable back and forth on said elevator for removing merchandisefrom and replacing the same upon its support; an operating-shaft carriedby the frame; a sheave-wheel slidably connected to the shaft and carriedby the elevator; a belt for transmitting motion from the sheave to themeans carried by the elevator; and. means for limiting the rotation ofthe shaft in either direction.

9. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;means movable back and forth on said elevator for removing merchandisefrom and replacing the same upon its support; a vertical shaft carriedby said frame; connections intermediate said shaft and the means carriedby the elevator for operating said means; means for limiting therotation of said shaft; and means for causing a slight retrogrademovement of the shaft and holding itin such position, substantially asand for the purpose described.

10. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;means movable back and forth on said elevator for removing merchandisefrom and replacing it upon its support; an operating-shaft carried bythe frame; a sheave-wheel slidably connected to the shaft and carried bythe elevator; a belt for transmitting motion from the sheave to themeans carried by the elevator; means for limiting the rotation of theshaft; and means for causing a slight retrograde movement of the shaftand holding it in such position, substantially as described.

11. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;means movable back and forth on said elevator for removing merchandisefrom and replacing it upon its support; an operating-shaft carried bythe frame; a sheave-wheel slidably connected to the shaft and carried bythe elevator; a belt for transmitting motion from the sheave to themeans carried by the elevator; a second shaft carried by the lower endof the frame; means connecting said shaft with the operatingshaft; and acrank carried by the outer end of said second shaft.

12. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;means movable back and forth on said elevator for removing merchan-.

dise from and replacing it upon its support; an operating-shaft carriedby the frame; a sheave-wheel slidably connected to said shaft andcarried by the elevator; a belt for transmitting motion from the sheaveto the means carried by the elevator; a second shaft carried by thelower end of the frame; means connecting said second shaft with theoperating-shaft; a crank carried by the outer end of said second shaft;and means for limiting the rotation of the crank in one or the otherdirection, substantially as described.

13. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;a track carried by said elevator; a member slidably mounted upon saidtrack; a shaft carried by the frame; a sheavewheel carried by theelevator and slidably connected with said shaft; and a band or cablepassing about the sheave and connected to the slidable member, said bandlying in a plane below the upper face of the track, substantially as andfor the purpose described.

14. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;a track carried by said elevator; a member slidably mounted upon saidtrack; a hook pivotally connected to said member; a shaft carried by theframe; a sheave-wheel carried by the elevator and slidably connected tothe shaft; and a band or cable passing about said sheave and connectedto the hook, said band lying in a plane below the upper face of thetrack, substantially as described.

15." In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;a track carried by said elevator; a member slidably mounted upon thetrack; a hook pivotally connected to said member; a push-bar or memberalso pivotally connected to said slidable member; a shaft carried by theframe; a sheave-wheel carried by said elevator and slidably connected tothe shaft; and a band or cable passing about said sheave,said band beingconnected to the hook, substantially as described.

16. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference thereto;a track carried by said elevator, said track having a trough-shapedportion and laterally-extending wings; a block slidably mounted uponsaid track; a hook pivotally connected to the block; a push-bar ormember also pivotally connected to the block; idlers mounted at theforward and rear ends of the track; a shaft; a sheavewheel slidablymounted upon said shaft and carried by the elevator; and a band or cablepassing about said sheave over the sheaves at the ends of the track andconnected to the hook, substantially as described.

17. In combination with a track, a block slidably mounted thereon; ahook pivotally connected to the block and extending up and over theupper face of the track; a frame pivotally connected to the block, saidframe carrying at its forward end vertically-disposed arms; and meansfor reciprocating the block and its attached members back and forth uponthe track, whereby when the block moves forward to the extreme end ofthe track the hook may drop down below the track, while the push-bar ormember maintains its direct contact with the merchandise being handled,substantially as and for the purpose described.

18. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of aframe; means for supporting the same in front of a series of shelves orthe like; an elevator movable up and down upon said frame; means carriedby the elevator for engaging merchandise on the shelves, withdrawing thesame onto the elevator, and replacing the merchandise at will; and meansacting directly on the merchandise as it is moved off of the elevatoronto the shelf or like support to properly guide the same.

19. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of aframe; means forsnpporting the samein front of a series of shelves orthe like; an elevator movable up and down upon said frame; means carriedby the elevator for engaging merchandise on the shelves, withdrawing thesame onto the elevator, and replacing the merchandise at will upon theshelves, said means automatically disengaging itself when themerchandise is properly stored; and means for positioning themerchandise as it is moved back from the elevator onto the shelf or likesupport, said means acting only on the merchandise as it is moved on theelevator toward the shelf, substantially as described.

20. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference to theframe; means movable back and forth on the elevator for removingmerchandise from and replacing the same upon its support, said meansautomatically disengaging itself when the merchandise is properlystored; devices for guiding the merchandise as it is moved along theelevator toward the shelf; and mechanism for automatically bringing saiddevices into operation as the merchandise is being moved toward itssupport, substantially as described.

21. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of asupportingframe; an elevator movable up and down with reference to theframe; means movable back and forth on the elevator for removingmerchandise from and replacing the same upon its support, said meansautomatically disengaging itself when the merchandise is properlystored; guide-rolls acting upon the merchandise to properly position thesame, said rolls acting only as the merchandise is being moved inwardtoward its support; and means for bringing said rolls automatically intooperation.

22. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of anelevator; means carried thereby for removing merchandise from andreplacing the same upon its support; guide-rolls for properlypositioning the merchandise as itis being moved inward toward itssupport; and means for operating said guide-rolls to bring them intoposition when the merchandise is being replaced and to move them out ofthe path of the merchandise when the same is being withdrawn from itssupport onto the elevator.

23. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of anelevator; means carried thereby for removing merchandise from andreplacing the same upon its support; a series of fixed guide-rollsarranged at one side of the elevator; abodily-movable guide-rollarranged upon the opposite. side of the elevator; and means for bringingsaid movable roll into operation as the merchandise is being moved oifof the elevator onto its support, substantially as described.

24. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of anelevator; means movable back and forth on the elevator for removingmerchandise from and replacing the same upon its support; a series offixed guide-rolls arranged at one side of the elevator; a two-partswinging frame mounted upon the opposite side of the elevator; a twopartroll carried by said frame; means for swinging said frame to bring it inposition as the merchandise is moved from the elevator to its support;and means for swinging the frame in a reverse direction as themerchandise is finally moved from the elevator, substantially asdescribed.

25. In an-apparatus of the character described, the combination of anelevator; means movable back and forth on the elevator for removingmerchandise from and replacing the same upon its support; a series offixed guide-rolls arranged at one side of the elevator, said rolls beingprovided with reduced portions or sections near their lower ends; atwo-part swinging frame mounted upon the opposite side of the elevator;a twopart roll carried by said frame, said roll having a reduced portionin line with the reduced portions of the opposite rolls; means forswinging said frame toward the series of rolls as the merchandise isbeing moved from the elevator toward its support; and means for swingingthe frame in the opposite direction as the merchandise is finally movedfrom the elevator.

26. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of. aframe; an elevator movable up and down upon said frame; means movableback and forth on the elevator for withdrawing merchandise from andreplacing the same upon its support; a shaft carried by the frame; meansfor operating the shaft; a sheave-wheel supported by the elevator andslidably connected to the shaft; a band or cable passing about thesheave and connected to the slidable means mounted upon the elevator; aseries of guide -rolls mounted upon one side of the elevator; a. movableguide-roll mounted upon the opposite side of the elevator; meansinterposed between the movable guide-roll and the slidable means mountedon the elevator for antomatically throwing said roll into engagementwith the merchandise as the slidable means moves inward to replace themerchandise upon its support; and means carried by the sheave-wheel forautomatically throwing the roll away from the merchandise as it nearsits limit of inward movement.

27. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of aframe; an elevator movable up and down upon said frame;

